Grantchester star Robson Green has opened up about James Norton's "joyous" return to the show's set, but dashed hopes of a full-time comeback for the beloved character Sidney Chambers. The British detective drama, which first aired on ITV in 2014, originally revolved around Anglican vicar Sidney Chambers, played by Norton, who investigated crimes alongside Detective Inspector Geordie Keating, portrayed by Green.
Norton exited the show after its fourth season, with Tom Brittney stepping in as Reverend Will Davenport, and later Rishi Nair taking over as vicar Alphy Kotteram in the ninth season. Despite his departure, fans have held out hope for his return ahead of the final series, especially after he was spotted on set earlier this year.
Speaking to the press ahead of the tenth season premiering early next year, Green revealed that his encounter with Norton was a pure coincidence at a restaurant. "And this guy walks in - very tall, incredibly charismatic. He sits in the corner and starts reading a book. And I'm just thinking to myself, 'It can't be. That cannot be James Norton.' And it was James Norton," Green recalled.
Green added that Norton later attended the show's wrap party, describing the reunion as "joyous on so many levels." However, he seemed to confirm that Norton would not be reprising his role, despite the actor's visit. Co-star Kacey Ainsworth described the encounter as "an incredible bit of magic," noting that Norton had not been to that restaurant in years.
The tenth series of Grantchester began filming in July last year, promising more suspense, plot twists and romance. It will premiere on ITV early next year, with seasons one to nine available to stream on ITVX.
